Michael Woods
Question:24 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the new proposals, if any, he has to assist small and medium sized Irish exporters. [2924/95]
Written Answers. - Small and Medium-Sized Firms.
The recently launched Operational Programme for Industrial Development 1994-99, includes a specific sub-programme for market development. An estimated £450 million, comprising EU, Exchequer and private funding, will be spent over the six year period under the sub-programme, which will be concentrated almost exclusively on developing marketing capability within indigenous small and medium-sized firms.
Specific targets in the sub programme are to increase indigenous exports by an average of 9 per cent per annum and to increase market share in EU countries by up to 25 per cent, whilst also expanding market share outside the EU. In order to help Irish firms achieve these objectives, specific assistance will be provided under three complementary measures encompassing the provision of information on market opportunities, advice on exploiting these opportunities and financial assistance.